International Volunteer Exchange Program

Manual for Participants

Table of ContentsIntroduction .................................................. 6About Mennonite Central CommitteeAbout IVEPStaff titles and rolesLearning through service & simple livingEarning wagesProgram costs

Medical ...................................................... 14What happens if I am sick and can’t go to work?MCC’s health care planUniversal health precautions

Vacation ..................................................... 17Vacation PolicyPlanning your vacation

Travel ........................................................ 18To/from conferencesUse of a car

Communication ............................................ 19TelephoneInternetTelephone numbers

Your new home ............................................. 21HostVisitors from homeVisiting boyfriends or girlfriends

Adjustment .................................................. 24Culture shockChurch participationEtiquetteCounselling services for IVEP participantsFitting inSafety

Appendix .................................................... 26 Stages of cultural adjustment

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INTRODUCTIONMennonite Central Committee (MCC) is eager to welcome you to the International Volunteer Exchange Program (IVEP). You have been through a difficult selection process. It is exciting that you are finally beginning your journey in the U.S./Canada. You probably have many questions about what is ahead. This booklet will answer some of those questions. Please refer to it during your year. If you have a question, check here before you ask your coordinator.

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About Mennonite Central CommitteeIn becoming an IVEPer you have made the decision to join with others working for Mennonite Central Committee as a Service Worker. Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), a worldwide ministry of Anabaptist churches, shares God’s love and compassion for all in the name of Christ by responding to basic human needs and working for peace and justice. MCC envisions communities worldwide in right relationship with God, one another and creation. Approximately 1,000 MCC workers are currently serving abroad by working for disaster relief, sustainable community development and justice and peacebuilding. They teach, promote good health care, share agricultural knowledge, do community development work, work with local partner organizations, and learn from others around the world. Thousands of others, including IVEPers, volunteer to work in Ten Thousand Villages shops, at MCC Relief Sales and in educational activities. All MCC workers are committed Christians who share Christ’s love wherever they live and work. To learn more about MCC and to see how MCC is at work in your country, visit mcccanada.ca in Canada, and mcc.org in the U.S.

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About IVEPIVEP began in 1950, when 21 young men from Mennonite communities in Europe spent one year working on farms in the U.S. Since then the program has expanded to include women and men with various occupations and diverse backgrounds. Participants now come from Latin America, Asia, Africa, Europe and Middle East and placements include: social service, education, trades, agricultural, retail, and computer tech work. As you know this program offers an exciting opportunity for individuals interested in participating in a one year international Christian service assignment.

The International Volunteer Exchange Program is a particularly important part of MCC’s commitment to peace building internationally. Each person chosen to participate in this program officially takes on the role of a peacemaker and carries it with them throughout their year of service. It is our hope that each participant will continue to pursue this role after they return home. Individuals that participate should be interested in servant leadership and in developing leadership skills through Christ-like, humble service. They should have a willingness to learn as well as a desire to share.

IVEP is a group experience. The interests of the group should be placed ahead of the interest of the individual. Throughout this year you will have the unique opportunity to live in community and solidarity with other group members. IVEPers should take note that participants come from a variety of cultural, professional and economic experiences. MCC expects participants to be sensitive and aware of these differences. Be conscious of the way your own experience might impact the way you see things and affect the way you interact with others.

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Staff titles and rolesIVEP Partner agencies — These work places provide a meaningful volunteer work assignment for the IVEP participants

IVEP Hosts — These families, or individuals, provide food, housing and family with whom to relate. These families are a connection to the local community and culture.

IVEP National Coordinators — There are national coordinators in both Canada and the U.S. They work to assign placements, prepare visa documentation, plan and facilitate conferences, support the IVEPers during assignment and follow up with alumni.

IVEP Provincial Coordinators — There are provincial coordinators in six provinces of Canada: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and Saskatchewan. They work to find new sponsors and hosts, assist in the placement process and support hosts, partner agencies and IVEPers during the term. They also plan Provincial gatherings.

IVEP Regional Coordinators — There are regional coordinators in each of the four regions of the U.S.: Central States, East Coast, Great Lakes and West Coast. They work to find new partner agencies, assist in the placement process and support the partner agencies, hosts and IVEPers during assignment. They also periodically plan regional gatherings.

MCC Field Representatives — These are the MCC staff who work in offices outside of Canada and the US and assist in the selection process and alumni follow-up for IVEP. They also may give advice and cultural background to the national coordinators during assignment if needed.

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The objectives of IVEP are to:1. promote international peace and reconciliation

2. help participants understand themselves and others better

3. promote international goodwill, understanding and friendship

4. increase a sense of personal involvement and responsibility in a world of interrelated peoples

5. strengthen bonds of Christian fellowship

6. broaden horizons and views

7. correct stereotypes and misconceptions about other peoples

8. help participants gain vocational skills through a volunteer work placement

9. equip young adults for service in their home communities following their return from service in the U.S. and Canada

IVEP participants are accepted from countries where MCC works alongside local Anabaptist congregations and partners. Participants are committed to the Christian faith, single/unmarried, 18 to 30 years old, and able to speak English. Participants, both male and female, may not already parent a child or expect to have a child during the IVEP year.

While in the U.S./Canada, you may improve your English and may gain practical vocational skills. More importantly you will broaden your horizons, build long-lasting friendships, be challenged to see your culture through new eyes, grow in faith and begin a journey of creating peace and understanding between nations. Improving your English should not be the focus of your IVEP year.

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Learning through service & simple livingMajor components of this program are service and simple living. You will most likely not be able to work in the same position as you did in your home country. Sometimes your work placement will not be in your vocational field or you may be asked to perform some menial tasks such as washing dishes, or cleaning up. A spirit of learning and service is essential as is a desire to live a simple life. IVEPers are encouraged to learn even from the small tasks and to do everything with love and joy in the Lord. Partner agencies and hosts are committed not to burden IVEPers with only menial tasks or that work which no one else enjoys. They are committed to treat the IVEPer with respect and love, searching for ways to incorporate the IVEPer in challenging tasks. IVEPers are, however, expected to seek out ways to serve with humility in a Christ like way.

This is not a formal academic training program. You will not receive a diploma at the end of the year. You will receive a “Certificate of Participation” from MCC at the Year-End Conference that designates the type of training that you received.

Earning wagesAs an IVEPer in the U.S. or Canada, you will receive a personal monthly allowance from your partner agency. Do not expect to accumulate money.

IVEPers may not seek a salaried job in addition to their IVEP placement. An IVEPer who does accept a paid position outside of their IVEP placement is in violation of their program agreement, and their visa arrangement with their host country. Their participation in the IVEP program will be immediately terminated and they will be sent directly and immediately to their home country.

It is okay for you to earn money for irregular jobs done during free time like baby-sitting or shoveling snow. You may also accept money for giving a talk or taking part in a program. It is not appropriate to ask your host or partner agency for money or gifts. If a large gift is offered reflect on whether it is appropriate for you to accept. IVEP is a program of service and simple living and IVEPers should not be focused on personal financial gain.

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IVEP Participants agree to the following conditions:1. To do my best to promote goodwill and better understanding between my

country and the U.S./Canada on a person-to-person basis.

2. To take an interest and participate in the life and activities of the Christian church and community in the U.S./Canada.

3. To be responsible to the partner agency and/or host family where I am assigned, accepting new social and work patterns.

4. To cooperate with Mennonite Central Committee, placing goals of this program above personal desires and interests.

5. To work for the one-year period without pay other than the IVEP stipend.

6. To return to my home country at the end of one year by the most direct route. I understand that it is MCC’s expectation (and sometimes a U.S. visa regulation) that I do not return to the U.S. or Canada for an extended period of time for two years following the end of the program.

7. To use the experience and insights gained from the program upon return home to help promote a strong Christian community and better international understanding.

8. To abstain from the use of alcohol and tobacco when the use of either one compromises MCC’s witness, in the eyes of local church and community. (MCC recommends that personnel abstain from the use of tobacco and alcohol in all situations).

9. To submit the MCC IVEP Medical, Optical and Dental forms with physicians signature indicating good health.

10. To assure that MCC will not be held responsible for benefits in case of accidental dismemberment or death.

11. To remain celibate and not to marry during the IVEP year.

12. To not take classes for credit during the IVEP year.

When the IVEP participant signs the application, they promise to fulfill these twelve conditions during the year that they participate in the program. Failure to uphold one or more of these conditions will result in their immediate termination from the program and their direct return to their home country. Each IVEPer is an ambassador for their country and for the future of the program in their country. If an individual’s misconduct is severe MCC may chose to decline future participants from that country for two years.

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Program costsMCC will provide:• your transportation costs from a designated city in your home country to a

designated U.S./Canadian site

• lowest cost of transportation to the mid-year and year-end conference and meals en route

• medical, dental, and vision care that becomes necessary during a term of service provided the IVEP participant completed and returned the appropriate forms to MCC when they began service. MCC must give approval before surgery or psychiatric treatment is undertaken.

• transportation back to the same airport from which you departed in your home country upon completion of the program

Your partner agency will provide:• a volunteer placement

• room and board payment to your host

• a monthly administrative fee to MCC to help cover program costs

• $80 U.S./$100 CAD per month spending money to the IVEPer

The IVEPer will provide:• pre-term costs (passport, visa, medical examinations)

• travel between their house and the airport (before leaving and upon returning to their home country)

• long-term treatment and/or rehabilitation costs for an injury or illness sustained while in the program

• treatment for pre-existing medical conditions

• indemnification costs in the event of loss of finger, limb or any other part of the body

MCC strongly recommends that each IVEPer purchase an accident insurance policy to cover such costs before entering the program. If an IVEPer chooses not to follow this recommendation, MCC is absolved of all financial responsibility.

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MEDICAL What happens if I am sick and can’t go to work?At times everyone gets sick. You are allowed to stay home from work when you are feeling sick, but you MUST CALL your partner agency and tell them that you are sick and cannot come to work. You should be careful not to abuse sick days. If you are not actually sick, you do not have the right to use a sick day.

If you are sick for a long period of time or are frequently sick you may be asked to provide a note from a doctor verifying your condition.

What MCC is able to coverMedical coverage: 100% of eligible medical expenses are covered.Dental/vision coverage: MCC’s dental coverage includes dental work that cannot or should not be postponed. MCC intends to provide necessary quality dental care but not cosmetic dental care. MCC vision care includes the replacement of lenses and frames or contact lens and examination fees. MCC will not cover a change from glasses to contacts or vice versa unless there are valid medical reasons for the change.

For additional information ask staff to see the summary plan description (SPD) for the MCC medical plan and the dental/vision plan policy #569.

MCC’s health care planMCC has a self-funded medical plan that is not actual insurance. MCC’s third-party administrator is Everence and all IVEPers are on this plan. IVEPers will receive a medical card to be used for medical care and prescriptions. Medical providers should call to pre-certify expenses when necessary. Details are on the medical card.

MCC belongs to the Mutual Aid Sharing Plan (MASP) which is composed of 18 Anabaptist agencies. The MASP is not an insurance company; it is a mechanism by which self-insuring member agencies pool their loses which exceed a designated retention.

The MCC dental/vision plan is completely separate from the medical plan. The medical card should not be used for these expenses.

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Medical in CanadaIn Canada, hosts should contact the IVEP provincial coordinator before any procedure that requires hospitalization.

In some provinces, the IVEPers are covered by the provincial health care plan which the provincial coordinator will register them for when they arrive. If they are not, the MCC medical care should be used for all medical care. Expenses for dental and vision care should be billed directly to MCC provincial office. If the provider cannot or will not do so, the host or partner agency should pay the bill and send it to the IVEP provincial coordinator immediately, indicating to whom the reimbursement should be directed. MCC will issue a check reimbursing that person.

Medical in the U.S.In the U.S., hosts should contact the IVEP U.S. national coordinator or regional coordinator before any medical procedure that requires hospitalization.

The preferred provider organization (PPO) for our medical plan is Cigna. When accessing medical care, try to find an in-network provider. To find a provider, go to www.Cigna.com and click “Find a Doctor.” Be sure to select the “PPO, Choice Fund PPO” network. The medical card should be used for all medical care and prescriptions. You should not have to pay anything at time of service. For dental and vision care, the partner agency/host should pay the bill, then send it to MCC with a note stating who paid it. MCC will reimburse that person.

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Universal health precautionsWhen welcoming someone into your family and community, it is important to be intentional in creating a healthy and safe environment for everyone. The Universal Precautions listed below have been drawn up by healthcare professionals for use in the workplace and the home. Anyone who might have or be exposed to a communicable disease can protect themselves and others by using these guidelines.

Universal PrecautionsTo avoid getting infected with communicable diseases like chickenpox, Hepatitis, HIV, salmonella, strep throat or others, when you come into contact with any body fluids or fecal matter:

Cover Cuts: If you have cuts or open sores on your skin, cover them with a plastic bandage.

Wear Gloves: If there is any risk of coming into contact with blood or other body fluids, wear latex gloves. Gloves should only be worn once and disposed of in a plastic garbage bag.

Wash hands: Wash your hands with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds after you have had contact with blood or other body fluids, after going to the bathroom, before preparing or eating food, and after removing latex gloves. Use hand lotion to help keep your hands from becoming chapped or irritated. Intact skin is your first defense against infection.

Discard garbage: Use caution when disposing of garbage and other waste that may contain infected materials or used needles. Discard material soiled with blood or other body fluids in a sealed plastic bag.

Clean up: Spills of blood or other body fluids should be cleaned up with a fresh mixture of household bleach (1 part) and water (9 parts). Paper towels should be used and disposed of in a plastic garbage bag. Remember to wear latex gloves during clean-up.

Wash clothes: Soiled items should be stored in sealed plastic bags. Wash soiled clothing separately in hot soapy water and dry in a hot dryer, or have clothes dry-cleaned.

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VACATIONVacation policyYou will receive two work weeks (10 work days) of vacation for the year. Plan to use half of that time before mid-year conference in February, and the other half after. The mid- and year-end conferences do not count as vacation. You are responsible to pay your own vacation expenses. IVEPers whose placement is in a scheduled setting (such as a school) must take their vacation during scheduled holidays (e.g. Christmas vacation and spring break). IVEPers assigned to summer placements (e.g. teacher’s assistants) must take their vacation before arriving at their summer placement. Please ask your partner agency for permission to take vacation at least a month in advance and fill out and submit an IVEP Vacation form to your coordinator.

Planning your vacationFeel free to ask your host or partner agency to help you plan your vacation. They may offer advice on realistic expectations for your vacation travel. They may also be able to help you find inexpensive lodging and other accommodations. When traveling, make certain you have cash or a credit card. We strongly discourage an IVEPer to travel alone with one other member of the opposite gender. Traveling as a group with mixed genders is more appropriate.

The purpose of IVEP is to learn about the varied cultures and places within the United States and Canada. We believe that God has called you to serve and learn here in the United States and Canada and your vacation time represents a valuable and unique time for learning. However, do remember that you are a member of a group. Expensive vacations by those who can afford it only adds to the frustrations felt by those who do not have the resources to do so.

A holiday is when your workplace is closed for times like Christmas, Easter and national holidays. A vacation is when your workplace is open, but you take off work to do personal things.

IVEP Vacation Request Form

* Please return this form to your provincial or regional coordinator 1 month before your travel. * You must take 1 weeks vacation the first semester and 1 weeks the second semester of your IVEP year. * If you are a teacher, your vacation time will take place at the same time your students are on vacation * You must request vacation time from your Sponsor before booking travel Name: ____________________________________________________________ Leaving Date and time: ________________________________________________

Mode of transportation (car, train, airplane): ___________________________ Flight number and time: ___________________________________________

Return Date and time: _________________________________________________ Mode of transportation (car, train, airplane): ____________________________

Flight number and time: ___________________________________________ Places traveling to: __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ Who you will be visiting: ________________________________________________ Address(s) of where you will be staying: __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ Contact Phone Number: ________________________________________________

Have a nice trip!

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TRAVELInform your IVEP coordinators of any travel plans that you make in advance. You must submit an IVEP Vacation Form before travelling. We need to know where you are to be able to contact you in case of emergency.

IVEP participants are not permitted to travel outside of the continental United States and Canada during their holidays. (Travel to Mexico, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Alaska, back home, or to any other continent is not permitted for the duration of your IVEP year.) You should take 1 week vacation before the February conference and 1 week after.

To/from conferencesMCC covers travel to/from conferences, using the least expensive means of public or chartered transportation. If there is a place for you on the chartered bus or van and you choose not to travel with it, you are responsible to pay for your own transportation to/from conferences.

Use of a carIVEPers are not permitted to drive any automobile while in the U.S./Canada. MCC does not have automobile insurance for IVEPers or its workers and will not cover you in case of an accident. Do not ask to borrow, buy or rent cars while in the U.S./Canada.

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COMMUNICATIONTelephone• Buy and use pre-paid telephone cards for all your long distance calls, or

use Google voice or skype. At no time should IVEPers be using their host or partner agency’s telephone for long distance calls without a pre-paid card. You must pay for all the calls you make and using a calling card ensures that you do not overspend.

• In most convenience stores and pharmacies, you can purchase phone cards. These cards allow you to make telephone calls for the amount of $5, $10, or $20 depending on which card you purchase.

• It is most expensive to make long distance calls on week days between 8am and 6pm. To save money, make your calls in the evenings or on the weekends (local time for the person making the call).

• Cell phone plans in Canada and the U.S. are more expensive than they are in many other countries.

• If you bring a cell phone from home, check roaming or international fees before using it to make calls.

Internet• Some host families have internet and others do not. Free internet is often

available in public libraries. Ask your host what you must do to get a library card.

• Be considerate of how much time you are spending on the internet and respect your host family’s internet rules. More than an hour of time spent on the internet a day is too much.

• Upon arrival in Canada or the U.S. some IVEPers will open an email account or have a Facebook account for the first time. Email and Facebook are great ways to communicate with others but it is important to understand that some types of communication are best suited to different situations. If you are going to be absent from work because you are sick, sending your boss an email or a Facebook message is not appropriate. You must call them directly.

• If you have access to a computer at work do not spend your work time checking your personal account.

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Telephone numbers*When making long distance calls you must first dial 1National offices:MCC in Canada: (204) 261-6381Toll free: (888) 622-6337

-Connects to the closest Provincial office

MCC in the U.S.: (717) 859-1151Toll free: (888) 563-4676

-Connects to the Akron office

Provincial offices, Canada:MCC British Columbia: (604) 850-6639MCC Alberta: (403) 275-6935MCC Saskatchewan: (306) 665-2555MCC Manitoba: (204) 261-6381MCC Ontario: (519) 745-9458MCC Quebec: (514) 278-3008

Regional offices, USA:MCC East Coast: (717) 738-0885MCC Central States: (316) 283-2720MCC Great Lakes: (574) 534-4133MCC West Coast: (559) 638-6911

Please write in the following numbers:Provincial/Regional Coordinator

Phone ___________________________________

Email ___________________________________ My host family

Phone ___________________________________ My partner agency

Phone ___________________________________

Email ___________________________________ Emergency Services

Phone ___________________________________

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YOUR NEW HOMEHostThis is a people-to-people program. A significant part of the program is integrating into the life and activities of your host, whether you are living with a single person, a retired couple, a family with young children or in a group setting. You and the host will need to make adjustments. As the visitor, however, you will need to make the most adjustments. You will discover many aspects of U.S. and Canadian culture by interacting with your host, adjusting to different foods, participating in house chores and joining social outings. You might even have to help take care of a pet!

Food is often one of the most challenging adjustments IVEPers must make. Remember that U.S. and Canadian food is as diverse as the people who live in these countries. You will not be eating hamburgers and French fries every day! You are the guest in someone else’s home and as such, you are asked to eat what they are eating and to help in meal preparation and clean up. (Ask how you can help instead of waiting to be asked.) Many hosts would love if you would offer to cook a traditional food from your home country once in a while. Even if you’ve never done this before…don’t be afraid to try something new.

In most cases your partner agency will provide your host with reimbursement for your room and board. However, do not expect that your host has excess money to take you on vacations and out to restaurants. The money they receive is to cover basic expenses like groceries. Your host will however want to help you to learn about U.S. and Canadian culture beyond the family setting. They will help provide opportunities for you to get involved in the community.

It is natural to look at what other IVEPers are receiving and to compare it with what you are receiving, but try not to fall into this trap. Each host comes from a different situation and has different resources at their disposal. Each host will offer something that no other host has to offer.

International Volunteer Exchange Program

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Visitors from homeThere has been an increase in the number of family members or friends visiting IVEP participants while in the U.S./Canada. Some IVEP hosts have expressed concern about the number of visitors coming and the costs involved in hosting them. IVEP staff have also noticed that IVEPers who receive visitors tend not to spend the same amount of time or quality of time with their hosts or friends.

The following guidelines have been developed for IVEP participants who are planning on receiving visitors:• IVEP participants must ask their host’s permission whether or not their family

or friends can stay with them—well in advance of the guest’s arrival date.

• All visitors are expected to pay for the costs of being hosted. For each person that will be staying with the host, IVEP asks that they give the host $15 per day per person. It is expected that the IVEP participant will inform the visitor of this cost and will make the arrangements for the payment. This payment is not optional.

• IVEP participants should not expect their hosts to do any driving for their guests. (This includes transportation to and from the airport.) If hosts offer to help that is great, but don’t ask. We recommend that your guests make their own arrangements (use public transportation, take a taxi, rent a car etc.).

• IVEP participants are encouraged to visit other participants and are not expected to make a payment. However, they are still required to ask the host’s permission—well in advance of the visit.

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Visiting boyfriends or girlfriendsA number of hosts have asked IVEP staff to set out guidelines for these visits. It is difficult to set guidelines for every situation but the IVEP participants are expected to comply with and inform their boyfriend or girlfriend of the following principles and guidelines:

• Remember that you are not here as an individual. You are here as one participant of a group program. What you do and how you handle your relationship is a reflection of you, other IVEP participants, IVEP staff, MCC, and your country.

• Be open about your relationship. Open discussions lead to trusting relationships. Hosts should not be asking you personal questions but they will feel more comfortable when you talk about your relationship as freely as possible.

• Check with your host to see if they are comfortable with your boyfriend or girlfriend staying in their home. If they are not comfortable with them staying there then set up other arrangements.

• It is not considered appropriate for you to travel overnight with your boy/girlfriend or visit them in their hotel room. Doing so could damage your reputation as well as the reputation of IVEP and MCC. If you have any questions about what would be appropriate, please discuss them with IVEP staff and your hosts.

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ADJUSTMENTCulture shockAlmost everyone who goes to a foreign culture experiences culture shock. It may not surface until about 6 to 12 weeks after you arrive. We will send you information on recognizing and dealing with culture shock after a few weeks into your U.S./Canadian assignment. Culture shock is normal and should be expected by even the most experienced travellers. Be sure to talk with your IVEP coordinators about how you are feeling. They have supported other IVEPers before you and might have some helpful ideas and suggestion.

Every month your IVEP Coordinators will send you a monthly evaluation form. Set aside time each month to complete this form. This is not optional. Be honest in how you are doing… no one can help you in the areas you are finding challenging if you are not telling anyone what these areas are!

Church participationIn this people-to-people exchange, another significant cultural experience will be participating in your host’s church. Many IVEPers find a strong support network and friends among their new church family and are invited to participate in the church community in a variety of ways. Other IVEPers have expressed that they cannot sense God in this new style of worship so different from their style at home. Please be respectful of every style of worship even if it does not make sense to you.

If you would like to attend attend a different church than your hosts (because of denominational differences, for example), please discuss this possibility with your host. In most cases they will be willing and able to accommodate your request, even if it is only once in a while. We hope this year away from your home church will be a year of growth in the Lord and will challenge you to experience God in new ways.

EtiquettePunctuality in social, professional and business appointments is expected in U.S./Canada. If you cannot keep an appointment or know you will be late (even by 15 minutes), you should telephone. Be on time for meals, social invitations, programs, concerts, theater events, church services and meetings. In the U.S. and Canada being “on time” often means arriving 5–10 minutes before the scheduled meeting time! People living in Canada or the US consider being late a sign of disrespect. It is not tolerated in a work setting. Make every effort to arrive on time for work, and for any appointment or gathering.

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Counseling services for IVEP participantsLiving in another culture can be very stressful. At times IVEP participants encounter emotional and mental stresses that are overwhelming. Sometimes, speaking with a professional counselor is helpful. IVEP staff will assist the IVEP participant in arranging for counseling services. Each IVEP participant is entitled to four free counseling sessions during their term. If additional sessions are required arrangements should be made through the IVEP coordinator.

Fitting inYou have come to the U.S./Canada to experience new things. You have come to build bridges of understanding and to broaden your horizons. It should be an exciting year as you give of yourself, cooperate with others and try to fit in, as you share and take an interest in people around you. Your communication, understanding, love, interest and cooperation will spread. If you are open and honest about your own life experiences, others will also share with you! Your hosts, church people and others will pick up and feel your enthusiasm and will share their love with you. May God guide and strengthen you!

Safety• ask your host and supervisor for context specific safety rules and guidelines

• call 911 for any large emergency: fire, auto accident, crime involving a weapon, or extreme physical injury

• if you have questions, ask someone in a uniform

• for specific situations, refer to the safety handout given during orientation

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APPENDIXStages of cultural adjustment

STAGE ONE: ArrivalHow long does it last?• usually 7–14 days

What to expect:• you will be tired• greetings will be different• you can’t understand

BUT

• it is also a honeymoon period where everything is exciting and new

Helpful advice:• find out your hosts’ routine• ask questions• try not to misjudge• laugh at yourself• be curious• don’t stay in your room

STAGE TWO: Settling inHow long does it last?• usually about 5 weeks• can be from week 2–week 7

What to expect:• “things start to go a little wrong”• host family feels like life has changed too much• you and your host may withdraw a little• I like some things but I don’t like others

Helpful advice:• expect to feel some resentment• realize your own faults• talk about your goals• discard inappropriate ones• try new things• pray about difficult situations• use your journal to write about what’s going on

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STAGE THREE: Deepening the relationshipHow long does it last?• usually 10 weeks• usually from the one month mark to the third

What to expect:• ask questions about things you don’t understand• talk more about expectations• realize some rules are unspoken• “some people don’t seem to care”• people may talk about you with others

Helpful advice:• tension comes from breaking unwritten rules• volunteer information about yourself• ask questions about the host

STAGE FOUR: Culture shockHow long does it last?• usually three months• usually from the end of the first month until the fourth month

What to expect:• homesick• don’t like it here• feelings of anger and confusion• small problems become big

Helpful advice:• “It’s like being sick, time will cure it”• use your journal• take some “time-outs”• get extra rest• eat well• it’s okay to think “this is stupid” but not to say it

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STAGE FIVE: The holidaysHow long does it last?• Christmas time• usually six weeks

What to expect:• feelings of sadness or happiness• feelings of loneliness• time of traditions–some are hard to understand

Helpful advice:• ask questions about customs• for serious problems, seek help• dress warmly• talk to your hosts about your vacation plans early

STAGE SIX: Culture learningHow long does it last?• four months• from the fourth month to the eighth

What to expect:• you start to feel comfortable• some things start to make sense

Helpful advice:• now that you feel more comfortable try to explore• help others understand your culture by comparing it to what

you have learned

STAGE SEVEN: Pre-departureHow long does it last?• usually starts six weeks before you leave

What to expect:• irritability, sensitivity, anger• feelings of loss

Helpful advice:• don’t wait until the last minute to talk about your leaving• accept your feelings of loss• prepare for reverse culture shock• take time to say good-bye

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STAGE EIGHT: Re-adjustmentHow long does it last?• six to eight weeks after you get home• in some ways, for a long time after

What to expect:• feelings of deep sadness• people are not as interested in you as you hoped• feelings of not being accepted

Helpful advice:• find one person to talk to• don’t complain to everyone• give yourself time• keep in touch with your hosts and friends in the US or Canada• take an interest in what others have done while you were gone

Blessings on the journey…IVEP Staff

ivep.mcccanada.caivep.mcc.org

Mennonite Central Committee U.S. 21 South 12th Street, PO Box 500, Akron, PA 17501-0500 (717) 859-1151 or toll free (888) 563-4676mcc.org

Mennonite Central Committee Canada 134 Plaza Drive, Winnipeg, MB R3T 5K9 (204) 261-6381 or toll free (888) 622-6337mcccanada.ca

Relief, development and peace in the name of Christ

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